Zelensky expects Umerov to reach agreement with South Korea on countering North Korea

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he expects Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to secure an agreement with South Korea to counter North Korea's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine.

He made this statement in his nightly video address, as reported by Ukrinform.

"Today is a very active day: lots of meetings, including at the highest level, for Minister of Defense of Ukraine Umerov in the Republic of Korea. On my instructions. Rustem Umerov has spoken with the President of South Korea, and with his counterpart, the Minister of Defense, and the National Security Advisor. The agenda is clear. It includes everything related to Russia's involvement of North Korea in the war against Ukraine – all aspects of this involvement. And the things we can do together. To defend our nations and to secure our regions together," Zelensky said.

He noted that he anticipates updates from Umerov regarding the talks in Seoul.

"The presence of not only missiles and shells from North Korea in Russia's arsenals but also soldiers on the frontlines – this is the globalization of war, initiated by Russia; and it can only be stopped globally. And upon Minister Umerov's return, I look forward to his report on the negotiations in Seoul," Zelensky added.

As Ukrinform reported, a Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov arrived in South Korea on November 27.

During a meeting in Seoul with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Umerov shared Ukrainian intelligence on military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. The two sides also discussed a joint response to emerging security threats.

Photo: President's Office